Wrapping machine



July 24, 1928.

H. H. METCALF WRAPPING MACHINE Aug. 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet gwuewtoz ca If w m LE. H m NM 1 N x m M, ,3 Q

a (MW w mv J mm Q 8 Q W 8 R July 24, 1928. 1,677,924 H. H. METCALF WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Aug. 8, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 24, 1928. 1,677,924

H. H. METCALF WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Aug. 1925 4 sheets sheet 3 [N VENTOR Howard 1 lf'lefcal BY/ XnWEM/F ATTORNEYS Jul 24, 1928.

H. H. METCALF WRAPPING MACHINE 4 sheets-sheet Filed Aug. 5, 1925 Patented July 24, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HOWARD H. METCALF, OF BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO BATTLE CREEK BREAD WRAPPING MACHINE CO., OF BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN.

WBAPPING MACHINE.

Application filed August 3, 1925. Serial 1T0. 47,822.

Second, to provide in a wrapping-machine an improved folding mechanism.

Third, to provide an improved wrapping machine which is quickly adjusted to articles of different sizes.

Objects pertaining to details and economies of construction and operation of my invention will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specification. The invention is clearly definedand pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming a part of this ap lication, in which:

ig. I is a fragmentary plan view of a wrapping machine embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. II is a fragmentary side elevation.

Fig. III is a side elevation of oneof the end flap folders.

Fig. IV is a detail view partially in section on a line 44. of Fig. III.

Fig. V is an enlarged detail side elevation of the front end flap folders and top flap folder.

Fig. VI is a detail side elevation of the parts shown in Fig. V, the article to be wrapped being shown in another relation to the folders.

Fig. VII is a side elevation of one of the flap creasing fingers employed in connection with the folder shown in Figs. ,V and VI.

Fig. VIII is a plan view of the creasing fin er shown in Fig. VII.

ig. IX is a fragmentary side elevation of a modified structure in which a reciproeating top flap folder is substituted for the relatively stationar to flap folder of the structure illustrate in igs. I-VIII.

Fig. X is a fragmentary plan view of one of the top flap folders of Fig. IX.

Fig. XI is an enlarged detail side elevation of parts shown in Fig. IX with a loaf in operative relation to the top flap folder.

Fig. XII is a detail section on a line corresponding to line 12-12 of Fig. XI.

In the drawing thesectional views are taken looking in the direction-of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines and similar numerals of reference indicate similar partsthroughout the several views.

In the accompanying drawing I have illustrated only such parts of a sealing machine as are deemed necessary to illustrate an embodiment or adaptation of my improvements. I have adapted and illustrated my improvements as I have embodied them in the structure of the patent to Brownell No. 1,416,165, dated May 16, 1922, in which the articles to be wrapped, such as loaves of bread, are delivered to a feed plunger 1 by means of which they are delivered to the wrappin mechanism.

A loa of bread 2 is shown in its initial wrapping position with the wrapper 3 draped over the same, the front or first bottom flap folder and the front end flap folders being shown in their actuated position. The loaf is delivered by the feed plunger 1 to a shifter or feed carriage such as shown in my copending application provided with loaf engaging arms 4 having pivoted grippers 5. This feed carriage is preferably that of my copending application. The details of the carriage are not illustrated herewith as they form no part of this invention but it will be understood that the feed plunger delivers the articles to these carrying arms 4 and the articles carried through the folders. thereby, the carriage being actuated in proper synchronism with the plunger and movable folders.

As the loaf is elevated by the feed plunger the wrapper is fed across the same as illustrated in the Brownell patent referred to and in my copending application. The proper feed mechanism is not illustrated as it forms no part of this invention.

The loaf is carried upwardly between the curved draping members 6 and the wrapper is draped over the top and'sides of the loaf. These draping members are downwardly curved so that the wrapper moves freely across the same. The draping members are carried by brackets 7 adjustably secured upon the rods 8 by means of the set screws 9 so that the draping members can be quickl'y adjusted to loaves of varying width.

The rear, bottom and end flap folders are mounted on a slide or carriage 10 reciproeating in the way 11 disposed longitudinally of the machine. The front bottom flap fol or 12 is plate-like in form and is adapted to engage the de ending front ha of the loaf, folding it on er the loaf as s ownin Fig. TT, these flap folders being shown in their actuated position in Figs. Tand Til, the same being shown in this position for convenience in illustration.

The'slide 10 is actuated from the lever 13, the slide being connected to the lever by the link 14. The actuating cam for the lever 13 is not illustrated.

The end flap folders designated generally by the numeral 15 are carried by arms 16 mounted on the reversely threaded rod 17 and slidable on the coacting supporting rod 18, the rods 17 and 18 being carried by the bracket 19 on the slide. The rod 17 is provided with a hand-wheel 20 by means of which the rod may be turned to quickly and simultaneously adjust the end flap folders 15 These end flap folders comprise folder members 21 in the structure illustrated formed as part of the arms 16, and adjustable coacting folder members 22 which are provided with vertical pins 23 reciprocating in the bosses 24, see Fig. HT, and adjustably supported by means of the screw 25 having threaded engagement with the member 22 rotatabl supported in the coacting member and having a knurled disk 26 for convenience in adjustment. This afi'ords a convenient means for adjusting the width of these end flap folders for loaves of varying heights.

it'll The front bottom flap is folded under the loaf as the loaf is carried on to the folder Way by the carrying arms 4. This folder way is formed of a pair of adjustable sections 27 and an intermediate fixed section 28, the adjustable sections being supported on the slide rods 29 and simultaneously adjusted by means of the reversely threaded rod 30 having threaded engagement with the lugs 31 on the under side of the members 27, the" rod being provided with a hand-wheel 32.

. These adjustable way members 27 carry the front end flap folders 33, the top flap folders 34 and the bottom flap folders 33 which have inclined front edges 33" adapted to gradually turn the bottom end flaps up- J wardly as the article is carried along. The

to place. I The to flu folders 34 are adjustably supported on t eposts 36 and have brackets 37 adjustably secured thereto by the bolts 38, the brackets being secured in their adjusted position on the osts by means of set screws 39 so that the older 34 is supported in an inclined position. This folder has a flange-like flap-turning edge 40. To eliminate wrinkling and insure a smooth top fold I provide creasing fingers 41 which have base or supporting sections 42 adjustably mounted on the folders 33 by means of the set screws'43, thev finger sections being also adjustably connected by means of the screw 44. These creasing fingers project rearwarclly into coaeting relation with the flap folders 34 so that the top flaps are folded over the fingers 41, a definite folding line being assured resulting in very smooth and uniform work.

The bottom sealing plate 45 is set into the folding way, the binding post for the connection of the heating circut being indicated at 46. The end sealing plates 47 are carried In the modification shown in Figs. IX, X,

XI and XIT the parts are substantially as described with the exception that the top flap folders 54 are reciprocatingly mounted on the vertical slide rods 55 mounted on the way members 27 to reciprocate at the sides of the creasing fingers 41'. The reciprocating flap folders 54 are driven from cams 57 coacting with the lever 58 which is connected by the link 59 to the reciprocating folders. The actuation of the reciprocating folders is timed so that struck downwardly over the creasing fingers 41, see Figs. XI and XII.

Machines embodying my improvements have the advantage of folding the flaps very uniformly and smoothly, thus insuring a neat appearance in the wrapped article.

The structure also may be quickly and easily adjusted to articles of varying dimensions so thatitis not necessary fora baker,

the top flaps are.

for instance, of moderate output, to provide a difierent machine for each size or style of loaf.

I have illustrated and described my improvements in an embodiment which I have found very practical. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodiments or adaptations as it is believed that the disclosure made will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my improvements as may be desired.

, Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a feed plunger, a wrapping conveyor means to which said plunger delivers, downwardly curved wrapper draping members disposed on opposite sides of the path of said feed plunger, slide rods on which said draping members are slidably mounted for adjustment relative to each other, a folder carriage, a front bottom folder mounted on said carriage, front end flap folders provided with vertically adjustable sections, means for adjustably supporting said front end flap folders on said carriage comprising a supporting rod on which they are slidably mounted and a coacting reversely threaded rod, a folder way comprising slidably mounted outer sections, a

reversely threaded rod for adjusting said sections relative to each other, rear end flap folders, rearwardly projecting creasing fingers mounted on said rear end flap folders and comprising adjustably connected front and rear sections, the front sections being adjustably mounted on said rear end flap folders, bottom flap folders having forwardly inclined edges disposed at the rear of said rear end flap folders, top flap folders mounted for vertical and tilting adjustment in coacting relation to said creasing fingers and having rearwardly inclined outwardly flanged lower edges,tsaid rear end, bottom and top flap folders being mounted on said way members for adjustment therewith, a bottom sealing plate, a delivery wa at the rear thereof, rearwardly projecting brackets on said adjustable way members, and end sealing plates yieldably mounted on said brackets at the sides of said deliver wa 2. In. a structure of the class d esri ed, the combination of a feed plunger, a wrapping conveyor means to which said plunger delivers, downwardly curved wrapper draping members disposed on oppositesides of the path of said feed plunger, slide rods on which said draping members are slidably mounted for adjustment relative to each other, a folder carriage, a front bottom folder mountedon said carria e, front end flap folders provided with vertlcally adjustable sections, means for adjustably supporting said front end flap folders on said carriage comprising a supporting rod on which they are slidably mounted and a coacting reversely threaded rod, a folder way comprising slidably mounted outer sections, a reversely threaded rod for adjusting said sections relative to each other, rear end flap folders, rearwardly projecting creasing fingers mounted on said rear end flap folders and comprising adjustably connected front and rear sections, the front sections being adjustably mounted on said rear end flap folders, bottom flap folders having forwardly inclined edges disposed at the rear of said rear end flap folders, and top flap folders mounted for vertical and tilting adjustment in coacting relation to said creasing fingers and having rearwardly inclined outwardly flanged lower edges, said rear end, bottom and top flap folders being mounted on said way members for adjustment therewith.

3. In a structure OffthG class described, the combination of a feed plunger, a wrapping conveyor means to which said plunger delivers, wrapper draping members disposed on opposite sides of the path of said feed plunger, slide rods on which said draping members are slidably mounted for adjustment relative to each other, a folder carriage, a front bottom folder mounted on said carriage, front end flap folders, means for adjustably supporting said front end flap folders on said carriage comprising a supporting rod on which they are slidably mounted and a coacting reversely threaded rod, a folder way comprising slidably mounted outer sections, a reversely threaded rod for adjusting said sections relative to each other, rear end flap folders, rearwardly projecting creasing fingers mounted on said rear end flap folders, bottom flap folders.

having forwardly inclined edges disposed at the rear of said rear end flap folders, top flap folders mounted in coacting relation to said creasing fingers, said rear end, bottom and top flap folders being mounted on said way members for adjustment therewith,: a bottom sealing plate, a delivery way at the rear thereof, rearwardly projecting brackets on said adjustable way members, and en l.

sealing plates yieldably mounted on said brackets at the sides of said delivery way.

4. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a feed plunger, a wrapping conveyor means to which said plunger delivers, wrapper draping members disposed on opposite sides of the path of said feed plunger, slide rods on which said draping members are slidably mounted for adjustment relative to each other, a folder carriage, a front bottom folder mounted on said carriage, front end flap folders, means for adjustably supporting said front end flap folders on said carriage comprising a supporting rod on which they are slidably I Way members for adjustment therewith.

* having' rearwardly 5. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a feed plunger, a wrapping conveyor means to which said plunger delivers, downwardly curved wrapper draping members disposed on opposite sides of the path of said feed plunger, a folder carriage, a front bottom folder mounted on said carriage, front endflap folders mounted on said carriage and provided with vertically adjustable sections, a folder way, rear end flap folders, rearwardly projecting fingers mounted on said rear end flap folders and comprising adjustably connected front and rear sections, the front sections being adjustably mounted on said rear end flap folders bottom flap folders having forwardly inclined edges disposed at the rear of said rear end flap folders, and top flap folders mounted for vertical and tilting adjustment in coacting relation to said creasing fingers inclined outwardly flanged lower edges. K

6. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a folder carriage, a front bottom folder. mounted on said carriage, front end flap folders mounted on said carriage and provided with vertically adjustable sections, a folder way, rear end fiap folders, 1

- rearwardly projecting fingers m'ounted on said rear end flap folders and comprising adjustably connected front and rear sections, thefront sections being adjustably mounted on said rear end flap folders, bottom flap I flap folders, rearwardly folders having, forwardly inclined edges disposed at the rear of said rear end vflap folders, and'top flap folders mounted for vertical and tilting adjustment in coacting relation to said creasing fingers having rearwardly inclined outwardly flanged lower edges.

7. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a .folder way, rear: end

mounted on said rear end flap folders and comprising adjustably connected front and rear sections, the front sections being adjustably mounted on said rear end flap folders, bottom flapfolders having for wardly inclined edges dis 'osed'at the rear of said rear end flap fol ers,-a'nd top flap.

folders mounted for vertical," and tilting adjustment in coacting relation to saidcreasrojecting fingers ing fingers having rearwardly inclined outwardly flanged lower edges.

8. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a feed plunger, a wrap sai carriage, front end flap folders mounted on said carriage and provided with vertically adjustable sections, a folder way, rear end flap folders, rearwardly projecting fingers mounted on said rear end flap folders, bottom flap folders disposed at the rear of said rear end flap folders, and top flap folders arranged in coacting relation to said creasing fingers to fold the top flaps over the same,

9. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a folder carriage, a front bottom folder mounted on said carriage, front end flap folders mounted on said carriage and provided with vertically adjustable sections, a folder way, rear end flap folders, rearwardly projecting fingers mounted on said rear end flap folders, bottom flap folders disposed at th e rear of said rear end flap folders, and top flap folders arranged in coacting relation to said creasing fingers to fold the top flaps over the adjustable sections, and means for adjustably supporting said arms'on said carriage.

11. In 'a structure of the-class described, the combination 'of a folder carriage, arms on said carriage, relatively fixed folder sections on said arms, coacting vertically adjustable sections, andv adjusting screws forsaid adjustable sections.

12. In astructure of the class described, the combination .of end flap folders, rear-- wardly projecting creasing fingers niounted on said end flap folders and comprising adjustably connected front and rear sections,

the front section being adjustably mounted on said end-flap folders, bot-tom flap folders disposed at the rear of said end flap folders,

and top .flapfoldersmounted for vertical and tilting adjustment in coacting relation to said creasing fingers to fold the top flap over thefsame while the bottom flaps are supported in folded\position by said bottom flap folder.

13. In a struc'tureof'the class described, the combination of end flap folders, rears wardly projecting creasing fingers mounted on said end flap folders, bottom flap folders disposed at the rear of said end flap folders,

and top flap folders mounted for vertical and tilting adjustment in coacting relation to said creasing fingers to fold the top flap over the same while the bottom flaps are supported in folded position by said bottom flap folder.

14. In a structure of the class described, the combination with a way, of an end flap folder operatively associated with said way, a rearwardly projecting creasing finger adjustably associated with said end flap folder,

and a top flap folder disposed to act on the top flap to fold the same over said finger.

15. In a structure of the class described, the combination with a way, of a flap folder, and a creasing finger comprising a section adjustably mounted on said flap folder and a second section adjustably mounted on said finger section on said flap folder.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

HOWARD H. METGALFHQ 

